Photos at the Scene: A Lawyer’s Checklist of What You Must Capture

  The sudden impact, the chaos. The first few minutes after a car accident are a “golden hour” fueled by adrenaline and confusion. Every action you take during this short window of time can become critical evidence when you later need to assert your rights. And the most powerful piece of evidence is already in your pocket: your smartphone. Memories fade and the other driver’s story can change, but a few well-taken photos speak the truth more powerfully than any argument. But what, exactly, should you photograph? Simply snapping a few pictures of the dents isn’t enough. Here is the “Lawyer’s Checklist” that will turn your smartphone into the most powerful evidence-gathering tool you have. Follow this list and capture each item one by one.  

The Most Important Rule Before You Start: Safety First!

Before you start taking pictures, you must assess your surroundings and ensure your safety. If you are on a busy road, move to the shoulder or a safe location first. No piece of evidence is more important than your well-being.

The Lawyer’s Photo Checklist

Step 1: The “Big Picture” – Capture the Entire Scene

It’s crucial to show the overall context of how the accident happened.

• Panoramic Views of the Scene: Stand back about 30-50 feet from the crash site and take wide shots from all four directions (north, south, east, and west). The key is to capture the final resting positions of the cars, the layout of the road (e.g., intersection, T-junction), and the lane markings all in one frame.
• Each Driver’s “Point of View”: Stand where each car was coming from and take a photo looking toward the point of impact. This helps reconstruct what was in each driver’s line of sight.
• Road and Weather Conditions: A wet road, snow, fog, or even sun glare can be a critical factor in an accident. Don’t forget to photograph any relevant details like potholes or construction signs.

 

Step 2: The “Medium Shots” – Vehicle Positions and Key Evidence

Now, move a bit closer to show the specific circumstances of the crash.

• Final Position of All Vehicles: Before the cars are moved, take clear pictures of where they came to rest in relation to each other. Their position relative to lane lines, crosswalks, and stop lines is very important.
• Physical Evidence on the Road: Get close-ups of skid marks, broken glass, plastic debris, or any fluid leaks. These are definitive clues about the point of impact and direction of travel.
•  Traffic Signs and Signals: Take clear, readable photos of any relevant stop signs, speed limit signs, or traffic lights.

 

Step 3: The “Close-Ups” – Documenting All Details of the Damage

This is the most direct evidence of the force and angle of the impact.

• Damage to Your Vehicle: Photograph the damaged areas from multiple angles. Get close-ups of the point of impact, but also capture any paint transfer or scratches.
• Damage to the Other Vehicle(s): Do the same for every other car involved. Comparing the damage on both vehicles can clearly prove how the collision occurred.
• License Plates of Both Vehicles: Don’t forget to take one clear, readable photo of each vehicle’s license plate for later identification.

 

Step 4: Documenting Injuries (Handle with Care)

• Visible Injuries: If you have any visible cuts, scrapes, bruises, or bleeding, it is a good idea to document them with a photo if you are comfortable doing so.
• Important Caveat: As stressed before, serious injuries like whiplash or concussions are often invisible immediately after a crash. The absence of a photo of an injury is not proof that you weren’t hurt. You must see a doctor for a proper diagnosis regardless.

  Conclusion: Your Photos Are Your Voice The photos you take at the scene are an unbiased witness. They will tell the objective truth long after the other driver’s story might change. This collection of pictures will be your most valuable asset when explaining your case to an attorney. You have now gathered the evidence; the next step is to let a professional use it. If you’ve been in an accident in the Tacoma area and need to understand how to use this evidence to protect your rights, Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma WA is here to help. Through our detailed lawyer listings, based on real client experiences from Google Reviews, we help you find and select a qualified professional who can turn the photos you took into a powerful case for the compensation you deserve.  

Featured Tacoma Car Accident Lawyers

Car Crash Washington Tacoma Car Accident Lawyer  

Recommended Tacoma Car Accident Information Sites

Knowing the correct information and official procedures after a car accident is critically important. The list below contains useful resources from credible government agencies for Washington State and the Tacoma area.

Accident Reports & Relevant Laws

1. Washington State Patrol (WSP) – Request a Collision Report
   • This is the official portal to request and receive official reports for traffic collisions handled by the Washington State Patrol. This document is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
   • Link: https://www.wsp.wa.gov/driver/collision-reports/
2. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) – Rules of the Road
   •  Here you can view the official text of Washington State’s traffic laws (Title 46 RCW). This includes rules on right-of-way, speed limits, and other regulations that serve as the legal basis for determining fault.
   • Link: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.61
3. Tacoma Municipal Code – Traffic Regulations
   • Description: For accidents that occur on city streets within Tacoma, the city’s specific traffic ordinances may apply. You can look up local regulations here.
   • Link: https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_council/municipal_code (Search for ‘Title 11 – Vehicles and Traffic’ on the page)

 

Insurance, Licensing, and Vehicle Information

4. Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)
   • This is the official source for the most accurate information on Washington’s minimum auto insurance requirements and consumer rights in case of a dispute with an insurance company.
   • Link: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/
5. Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
   • The official site to handle driver and vehicle-related administrative tasks, including filing an accident report, checking your driver’s license status, and accessing vehicle registration information.
   • Link: https://www.dol.wa.gov/

 

Real-Time Traffic & Safety Information

6. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) – Tacoma Area Traffic
   • This site provides real-time traffic conditions, road closures, construction updates, and live traffic camera feeds for the Tacoma area, which is useful for understanding road conditions.
   • Link: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/map/?region=tacoma
7. Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC)
   • Description: Offers in-depth information on traffic safety, including accident statistics, data, and safety campaigns in Washington State, helping to raise awareness and prevent future accidents.
   • Link: https://wtsc.wa.gov/

Google Search

• Live Google Search Results
• See the real-time Google search results for “Tacoma car accident lawyer.” Explore the wide range of information available on the web.
• Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Tacoma+car+accident+lawyer